President's Day Special! Three presidential homes in three days in three states: Part 1 Jimmy Carter/Plains, GA

Chris outside of Plains High School, now a museum.

 

In honor of President's Day, we're posting our latest Presidential Homes/Libraries trifecta. This month, en route from Florida back to our home in Michigan, we visited three presidential homes, in three different states in three days. We are now up to eleven such POTUS landmarks, with less than forty to fulfill our goal of setting foot in all. 

Large "tea mug" purchased at museum gift shop.

We first stopped in Plains, Georgia, home of Jimmy Carter, then on to Columbia, Tennesse to the James K. Polk Museum and, finally, to Hodgenville, Kentucky to see Knob Creek, early residence of Abraham Lincoln.

All three sites were, coincidentally, homes of the presidents when they boys or young adults, however, they displayed a range of original possessions from none at all to rooms filled with family treasures. 

We'll devote three separate blogs to each of these presidential sites, starting in order of our travels. First up, the 39th President, Jimmy Carter.

The home of Jimmy and Roslyn Carter - to open to the public later this year.

Jimmy Carter's home in Plains, GA.

Jimmy Carter's home in Plains, Georgia is a short car ride from the small town which once included brother Billy's working gas station and the public high school, now a museum. 

Billy Carter's gas station.

Billy's gas station, in Plains, no longer open.

As one who remembers not only Jimmy Carter's presidency and First Lady Rosalyn, but Billy Beer and Miss Lilian, Plains seemed comfortingly familiar. After a stop at the high school, which pays great homage to both Jimmy and Rosalyn - the latter was Valedictorian, class of 1944 - and a "supermarket sweep" tour of the gift shop (Jimmy Carter heavy duty tea mug, pewter peanut earrings), we drove through town in the direction of the childhood home and farm of the 39th President. On the way, we passed Billy's gas station as well as the former home of Jimmy and Rosalyn, set to be opened to the public later this year. (But, worth noting, the high school museum docent told us that the gardens will be available to visit later this spring).

Outside Jimmy Carter's boyhood home.

Carter's peanuts on display in museum

Once at the Carter farm, it's a quick walk from the parking lot to the home. However, there were no docents at this location - it was a self-guided tour, complete with descriptive placards in each room and optional recordings. 

Although, there are few original items of the Carter's, period pieces are used to represent what the family would have used. Jimmy Carter's father, Earl, moved the family here in 1928. He originally grew cotton, corn and peanuts, but switched to focus primarily on peanuts a decade later.

Bathroom small and rustic - but no complaints.

Outdoor facilities before indoor bathroom.

   

That was also the time electricity came to the Carter home - a much-welcomed addition along with indoor plumbing.  In the house bathroom, you can see the somewhat primitive shower set up, but, per the overhead recording, no one complained of the cold water or small space. Everyone appreciated having indoor facilities, a real improvement from the open-air alternative.

Dining room outside the kitchen, used for special guests.

The back of the home faces the railroad tracks. The train would thunder past in the early morning hours, waking any guests who weren't used to the bellowing sound. However, the sisters of Jimmy Carter who shared the back bedroom closest to the tracks were said to enjoy getting up every now and then to view the trains as they went by.

Back porch facing the nearby railroad tracks.

In addition to the farm, the Carter family also ran a store on the grounds. (I spotted a tea kettle, but not sure if that was part of typical merchandise sold there).

Carter farm and store. Reaching for a tea kettle, though, not original merch.

This presidential home was especially meaningful on the heels of Jimmy Carter's passing in December of last year, living until 100 years of age. He and his family saw - and accomplished - a lot in those many decades. It's worth a visit to see just how far that journey went from Plains to Washington and back home again. 

Barb's Tea Service's In/Out List 2025: From Buc-ees to Podcasts, it's all from BTS with (even more) love!

Buc-ees continues to trend!

                      

Happy New Year!

At BTS we're once again ringing in the new and dispensing of the old with our highly anticipated (at least by three people!) Barb's Tea Service's In/Out List. The upcoming year is full of momentous commemorations including Jane Austen's 250th Birthday, Pemberly Pines Emerald Anniversary, a first birthday of a favorite podcast and, incredibly, fifteen years of the BTS In/Out List.

It's also a year of new launches and new seasons of television, movies and streaming shows. Along with our favorites period dramas like Bridgerton, a premier of the Meghan Markle's lifestyle series on Netflix was set to air this month. They both involve Royal drama, great wealth, scandal and tea.  But, unlike Queen Charlotte's quest for the flawless diamond of the season, in "With Love, Meghan", the former "Suits" actress stresses, "We're not in pursuit of perfection, we're in pursuit of joy". (That's BTS' motto, too).

What is now our decade-and-a-half pursuit of reporting what's trending for the new year and what should be left behind gleaned, as always, from respected news sources, fashion experts and our own imperfectly, but joyous, humble opinions.

In/Out List 2025

In:  Mocha Mousse:  Pantone's color of the year was a bit of a surprise to some as, instead of a bold or vibrant shade, a neutral was chosen. But, per Pantone's press release, the earthy, simple brown color was chosen for its richness that "nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee (and, BTS adds, "tea"), answering our desire for comfort".  And, as the magazine "W" sagely observes, "pudding can be elegant".

Honolulu blues lead to . . .

mocha mousse, stat!

Out:  The Honolulu Blue Blues:  Our Detroit Lions outdid themselves with a record-setting 15-2 season to become the NFC North Champion. Unfortunately, with a commanding performance, Washington beat us in the playoffs. We're looking forward to next season and another shot at the "bowl". In the meantime, comfort is needed - bring on a double mocha mousse, stat! - and we're not talking paint color here. 

Books

Fashionable fashion books of Jane Austen. 

More DA fashions include tea time!

In:  Fashions of period dramas and favorite authors. With Jane Austen's Semiquincential birthday on deck as well as the new Downton Abbey movie scheduled for September, it's only fashionable to have books on their fashions. Two that we're adding to our bookshelves are:  "Jane Austen's Wardrobe" and "The Costumes of Downton Abbey". Very new to the market, just published Fall 0f 2023, you'll find a lot of interesting information accompanied by lovely photos (including tea time!).

Rock Davenport, who later went on to become unknown, tells his own Tinsel Town tales.

In: Rock Davenport. A riveting tale of near misses and unfulfilled Hollywood dreams of Rock D. An almost-extra in Spartacus (Spartacus #6), Rock knew he was facing an uphill battle due to lack of talent, but his tales of rubbing elbows with movie stars like Vic Tayback and Al Lewis will have you on the edge of your seat. (Bonus: "Match Game '74 Murder Mystery" will have you asking, what the blank?).

Out:  Lemon Curd Killer. BTS reviewed this latest Laura Child's tea mystery in May (Return of the Lemon Curd). While lemon curd is always in (and "on" for scones), we propose a new whodunnit incorporating the color, flavor and mood of 2025:  "Mocha Mousse Murder Mystery:  Death by Chocolate" with the tagline - "the proof is in the (elegant) pudding".

In:  Personal Libraries.  There are two kinds people: those who buy books to add to their collections and those who tell the former to download more and bring home less. But, a personal library is sure to please both. A nicely curated bookshelf (or t wo, or three, . . .), can please even the most minimalist among us. The personal library says: "I'm not just random piles of books scattered throughout the house. I am organized by topic, size and color!" 

Tearoom Book Nook - several hundred pieces, I'm on five.

In:  DIY Book Nooks. And, what better to add to your bookshelves (other than books), but a bit of whimsy that shows off your other passions as well. These come in the shape of miniature greenhouses, bookstores, coffee houses and, our personal favorite, tearooms. We're currently working on a several-hundred piece tearoom nook.  (Check our progress in a few months.😀).

Accessories:

Pins are in! Two of my favs, from two generations.

Afternoon tea where guests wore pins.

In:  Put a pin in it:  At BTS, we're not afraid to broach the brooch, in fact, we hardily endorse it.  A great addition to any festive gathering, including tea time. We hosted a recent afternoon tea party and encouraged guests to wear a favorite pin. It's an excellent ice breaker (or is that iced tea breaker?).  We loved the stories behind the brooches - some heirlooms, some special interests - but all meaningful and, as one guest noted, it's nice to let them get "air" once in awhile. So, don't put a pin in it, put a pin on it and add that to your next invite.

Vintage-looking chain with both teapot

. . .and teacup pendant

In:  Devine Chains: Vintage or vintage looking necklaces. We were gifted a lovely chain with a pendant that does double-duty, sporting a teapot on one side and a teacup on the other.  Ours is from Devine Iguana.

Bridgerton fans are in.

In:  Fans:  Bridgerton fans are already fans of fans. BTS provides them for Bridgerton teas, should guests find themselves in fear of a swoon.

Card holder serve dual purpose. 

In: Put a card in it:  Those who participate in double deck pinochle can use some help - and no, were not talking just when you're partner gives you an unexpected jump bid. Playful card holders with a variety of designs (snowflakes, puppy dogs) are the perfect card-playing accessory to aid in keeping the cards in your hands. Also, these may be used as a fan, should you be victim of the jump-bid swoon. 

Be present, be yourself, be on time!

Countdown clock can keep your podcast on time - and other uses, too!

In:  On time.  We see countdown clocks as not only helping one's podcast stay on time, but can easily aid in other areas.  Let your spouse set a ten minute limit for your recounting the latest Dateline episode or program a twenty-minute time constraint for selecting a restaurant for dinner this evening (this includes Tripadvisor consults). 

Rock looks a bit like the author.

Out:  Lookalike contests. As noted in the Washington Post's In/Out list for the new year, these events are "out". The popularity of lookalike contests peaked in 2024. Competitors' hopes in lookalike competition for actors such as Timothee Chalamet and Glen Powell were overshadowed by the appearance of the actors themselves. Folks, be happy looking like you, and skip the unnecessary comparisons to Hollywood elite. Unless, of course, you're the confident of Rock Davenport. We spy a "dead-ringer" in the author (and, no, we're not referencing the ill-fated celebrity on Match Game '74). 

Entertainment:

BTS kicked off the new year with two Downton Abbey-themed teas. 

In: Bridgerton, Gilded Age, Downtown Abbey, Jane AND Cassandra Austen.  While we're still waiting on release dates for Bridgerton, Season 4 as well as Gilded Age, Season 3 (projections show end of 2025 or early 2026 for both), we already know we'll be in the movie theater on September 12th to see Downton Abbey 3 and viewing Masterpiece Theater on May 4th for "Miss Austen". You heard it here first:  Miss Austen to air in May. . .we loved the book.

And, included in all the above, are the Barb's Tea Service's tea talks:  Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, Gilded Age and Jane Austen. BTS' calendar is filling up fast - contact us for a customized tea talk for your special group!

The Hoda-bration may have jumped the frog when Kermit sang his special song.

Out:  Hoda K.  The beginning of the year, Hoda Kotb left her morning gig at the Today Show.  We're fans of the journalist and wish her all the best in her upcoming adventures. We also applaud the end of the months' long Hoda-bration. When Kermit is asked to sing a special song for the early AM co-host, the tedious good-bye "jumped the frog". 

Barb's Tea Service's podcast will celebrate its first full year in March. We love to host special guests!

In:  Barb's Tea Service Podcast. With even MORE love, Barb, of BTS, and co-host, arm candy and studio engineer, Chris, continue their weekly podcast about tea and tea-adjacent topics in under 30 minutes! This year, bring your BTS podcast Bingo card as we keep up with our favorites subjects (Austen, DA, Gilded Age, Bridgerton, salt cellars and the Gabor sisters) and add on new topics, served with tea and, of course, lots of love.

Out:  With Love, Megan. This lifestyle series with the Duchess was scheduled to be out on Netflix, January 15th. Due to the California wildfires, it has been thoughtfully postponed. 

Drinkware:

BTS mug, a not limited edition for our special guests.

Out:  Stanley cup designer water bottles. In a classic marketing ploy, Stanley, issued "limited editions" of their typical utilitarian thermos brand, in colorful offerings, and sent them off to social influencers to create a demand frenzy. The Tik-Tok'ers delivered.  This $45 thermos sold out quickly, giving rise to a price-gauging secondary market. As one who was victim of Beenie Babies and other inflated "collectibles", I can say, today's hot item is tomorrow's Thrift Store bargain.

Special guests, Rik and Carol, received the BTS mug.

You could be next!

In:  Barb's Tea Shop Special Guest mug. A timeless commemorative cup that comes with an appealing price tag - be a special guest on a BTS podcast! 

Don't buck the Buc-ees trend!

And, our last, "buc" not least, emerging trend:  Buc-ees! As we reported last January, Buc-ees is making its way north and we're ready with open arms. According to last month's Cincinnati Enquirer, a small legal dispute between neighboring counties (as to who would provide water and sewage services to the mega-marvelous highway rest stop), delayed construction - but only for three weeks. Our beloved Buc-ees, in its latest location just outside of Dayton, Ohio, is expected to be opening its doors in late 2025. We'll be there to order brisket sandwiches, kolaches, scones and fill up on gas. Such a magical place - and soon, a mere 3.5 hour drive from home. 

Our tea friends are always "in" and we hope you will stay in touch. We don't strive for perfection, but we do aim for joy!

                                                                            🩷        

With much more love, Barb, and all of us at Barb's Tea Service.

Pride and Prejudice Week: How to celebrate the 212th anniversary of Jane Austen's Masterpiece!

 

Lyme Park, "Pemberly" in the 1995 BBC adaptation of P & P and the pond where Mr. Darcy took a dip.

January 28th marks the 212th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". This celebration is made even more special in 2025 as it is also marks the year of Austen's 250th birthday. With so much to pay tribute to, we at Barb's Tea Service, have expanded the honoring of Jane Austen's most popular novel to not just a day, but an entire week. It may take that long to pay tribute to "Pride and Prejudice" appropriately, as suggested by Jane Austen House and Barb's Tea Service. 

Rachel in the Drawing Room at Jane Austen House in Chawton, being very accomplished. 

We fell in love with "Pride and Prejudice" (and Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy) in 1995, with BBC's extraordinary adaptation of this epic novel. Since then, we've made journeys to England with a focus not only on Jane Austen, but her first published book. With respect to solely the latter, we've been to the filming sites of two "Pemberly's" (Lyme Park and Chatsworth), resisted temptation to kiss Mr. Darcy and spent time in the Jane Austen House in Chawton where, in the drawing room, Jane read "Pride and Prejudice" to her family after its publication.

Complying with the "do not kiss" sign. Could I have resisted temptation if this was Colin Firth?

However, there are ways to celebrate Pride and Prejudice Day without traveling across the pond. Jane Austen House provides the following suggestions:

1. Share your favorite line from P & P.
2. Dress appropriately, long sleeves.
3. Catch up with your correspondence.
4. Take some refreshment (ideally soup).
5. Go for a brisk walk.
6. Pay some elegant compliments.
7. Practice an accomplishment.
8. Read a book.
9. Play a game. 
10. Go dancing. 

Outside of Chatsworth. 

We are working our way through the list of ten and we're half-way through. While we develop our "elegant compliments" to have "as unstudied an air as possible", we're busy reading and dancing in homage to our favorite Jane Austen novel in this year of momentous Austen celebration.

 And, we're just getting started. . . 

What is a weekend? In The Villages, it's filled with Downton Abbey-inspired Afternoon Teas!

Barb's Tea Service, serving up - and spilling -the tea at Downton Abbey-inspired event at The Villages

Borrowing from Violet Crawley's famous inquiry, "What is a weekend?", we at Barb's Tea Service are happy to have spent ours with two incredible groups at The Villages in central Florida.

First of two sold-out BTS' Downton Abbey-inspired Afternoon Tea this weekend. 

Our first "Downton Abbey-inspired Afternoon Tea" sold out within a week, so we were thrilled to be asked to host a second one, same day, same venue. While many came dressed in period fashions, all were enthusiastic DA fans and ready to not only be served tea, but hear it "spilled" as well.

Many guests dressed in period attire. . . 

including mother and daughters!

Along with biscuits and shortbread, BTS team member, Pam B. poured from teapots into BTS teacups as attendees selected their choice of selected teas, from classic Earl Grey to fruity herbals. 

We were thrilled to be asked to host a second DA tea!

We shared a few "behind the scenes" tales of Downton Abbey, as well  highlights of our two interviews with Lady Carnarvon (full interview in 2016 and 2024 editions of  TeaTime Magazine).

Sharing a few highlights from our visit with Lady Carnarvon.

We truly enjoyed our weekend in both Bampton Village (aka, the "real Downton Abbey village") and The Villages (aka, our winter home-away-from-home). 

BTS set up "linens" and place settings

Shortbread cookies and tea for guests

We'll look forward to many more adventures in The Villages. In the meantime, happy weekend, however you define it, to all! 

 

Happy National Hot Tea Month: Celebrate with Millennials and Gen-Z's - their preferences are bringing changes to tea time!

Creative menus attract younger tea drinkers. . . 

Deep-fried Oreos, milk in first, but not too long!

January is Hot Tea Month and, as a celebration within a celebration, it also includes "Hot Tea Day" on the 12th. Barb's Tea Service always honors this special time on the calendar and every few years, takes stock in stats and trends. Of the five tea facts that we monitor, supplied by the Tea Association of the US, most have remained the same, but in 2024, there is some exciting news about Millennials and Gen-Z'ers. There's been a slight uptick in tea consumption with the former and a burgeoning new tea market in the latter.

We've reported on the five stats below in 2020 and 2022. Nothing changed between those years,  but between 2022 and last year's numbers, there's been both marginal and notable updates. We've highlighted those changes from the 2024 Tea Association's Tea Fact's below in red.

• US is the third largest tea importer, after Russia and Pakistan
• On any given day, half our country's population drinks tea
• Regionally, the South and Northeast have the greatest number of tea drinkers
• Approximately 75-85% 80% of tea consumed is iced tea
• Eighty-seven plus percent of Millennials drink tea - however, Gen Z's are making a strong move to tea (n outcome from the pandemic).

While "plus" isn't a terribly significant change, it does show Millennials "holding" with a push in the right direction. The more surprising trend, however, is the "strong move" made by Gen Z. 

Millennials, Gen Z's take on tea with Boomers

Millennials prefer green and black tea, loose over bags

We took a few excerpts from a World Tea News report which listed trending tea habits of Millennials and Gen Z: 

Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) prefer black and green teas for health benefits and choose loose-leaf over teabags for better quality. They view tea drinking as a daily ritual and are willing to spend more on premium tea.

Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) are more experimental, preferring fruit-infused tea, matcha, bubble tea and cold brews. Emphasis is on convenience and less ritual, making read-to-drink teas a popular go-to. 

Tea companies and tea rooms have noticed. An article in last October's Food and Drink, says tea rooms are adapting to Gen Z's lifestyle, offering a twist on traditional afternoon teas. No need to dress up or question "milk in first or milk in last". 

One Texas tea room that is taking on this new approach is the Proper Rose Garden. Owner, Michael Jiang, says he wants his tearoom, just outside Austin, to "be the spot people think of when they want to have fun. . .we don't have any dress codes. We're focused on welcoming everyone". Along with the casual vibe, the tea fare embraces Gen Z's passion for creative offerings including green tea crepe cakes and deep fried Oreos. 

Oreos waiting to be deep fried - a new staple for Gen Z tea time?

(Perhaps, we'd adapt tea etiquette to "Oreos in milk first", but for how long to dunk it?  Proper form, backed by science, says three seconds is the answer, but we'll add, it could be longer for Oreos that are fried. For more on this topic:  Mental Floss - The Optimal Time to Dunk an Oreo, According to Science)

We like to celebrate tea time with all generations!

We are thrilled that Millennials and Gen-Z's are embracing tea in whatever form. We also like to celebrate Hot Tea Month and any tea time with ALL generations. And, in support of that, our list of how to celebrate remains unchanged.

1. Visit a favorite tearoom 
2. Text an old friend and set up a tea date
3. Set a table at home with your own heirloom/vintage teapots, teacups and assorted accoutrements
4. Make a fresh pot of loose-leaf tea and start a new book.
5. Try a new tearoom

Happy National Tea Month from BTS!